🔥 AEW Collision Recap – July 26, 2025

In no particular order:

Live from the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL
Where the lights burned bright, the stakes were high, and the Bang Bang Gang came to collect.

🎯 TNT Championship: Dustin Rhodes (c) vs. Lee Moriarty

Dustin Rhodes kicked off the night defending his TNT Championship against ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty. Moriarty refused the handshake, setting a heelish tone early. The match was a technical clinic—hammerlocks, counters, and a relentless focus on Rhodes’ left knee. Moriarty nearly stole the win with a grapevined ankle lock, but Rhodes rallied with a Canadian Destroyer and a small package for the three-count.

Post-match twist: Kyle Fletcher and Don Callis confronted Rhodes, demanding a title shot. Rhodes accepted—with a Chicago Street Fight stipulation. “I am your huckleberry, bitch!” he declared. Collision’s energy was officially unhinged.

💥 Tag Team Eliminator Tournament: Bang Bang Gang vs. Big Bill & Bryan Keith

With Colten Gunn sidelined, Juice Robinson stepped up alongside Austin Gunn. The Bang Bang Gang brought fire and fury, with Juice cutting a scathing promo pre-match: “I’m gonna be sticking my foot up your fat ass.” The match was physical, with Big Bill targeting Austin’s knee and mocking Colten’s injury. But resilience won out—Juice rolled up Keith for the win.

Next stop: FTR in the quarterfinals. The Juice is loose, and the Gunns are locked in.

🖤 ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena (c) vs. Alex Windsor

Athena defended her title against AEW newcomer Alex Windsor. Windsor showed heart, but Athena’s dominance was undeniable. Toni Storm, watching from a box seat, dropped one of the night’s most memorable lines: “You’re confusing length with depth, because nobody goes as deep as I do.” Athena retained, and the tension between her and Storm is boiling over.

🧨 Max Caster’s Open Challenge: Anthony Bowens Answers

Bowens stormed the ring, destroyed Caster’s framed patent, and delivered a quick beatdown. He hit the Mollywhop and kept attacking post-match until Billy Gunn intervened. Bowens teased a full heel turn, walking off with a cold glare.

💸 $400,000 Eight-Man Tag Match

Outrunners, Tomohiro Ishii & Hologram defeated Hechicero, Lance Archer & The Infantry. Ishii and Hechicero stole the show with stiff exchanges, but the crowd was firmly behind the Outrunners. Floyd and Magnum scored the pin and the payday.

🕸️ Triangle of Madness Debuts

Julia Hart, Skye Blue, and Thekla made their trios debut against Rachael Ellering, Mazzerati & Laynie Luck. Hart hit Old School, Thekla got the pin, and Megan Bayne attacked Queen Aminata post-match. The chaos is just beginning.

🕯️ AEW Remembers Hulk Hogan

Tony Schiavone delivered a heartfelt tribute to Hulk Hogan, who passed away this week at 71. “RIP, brother,” he said, honoring Hogan’s legacy and impact on TNT’s wrestling history.

📝 Final Thoughts

Tonight’s AEW Collision wasn’t just another chapter in the Chicago residency—it was a multi-layered showcase of grit, emotion, and storytelling precision that proves AEW’s Saturday nights are anything but filler.

Dustin Rhodes’ TNT title run continues to exceed expectations. Every defense feels like a masterclass in resilience and legacy. Tonight’s showdown with Moriarty captured the perfect storm: old-school psychology vs. modern submission warfare. Rhodes’ post-match acceptance of a Street Fight shows he’s not here to coast—he’s here to go out swinging in a blaze of glory.
The Bang Bang Gang vs. Big Bill & Bryan Keith pushed the envelope in AEW’s tag division. Juice Robinson’s swagger and promo delivery are becoming essential Saturday night fuel, while Austin Gunn’s comeback storyline adds emotional depth. FTR looming in the next round raises the stakes—this is about pride, family, and survival.
Athena’s dominance in ROH’s women’s division is reaching mythical levels. Her match against Alex Windsor might’ve been a one-sided affair, but it served a purpose: reminding fans that no one—from indie standouts to top-tier contenders—is safe. Toni Storm’s ringside narration added dramatic layering, suggesting a future clash drenched in theatrical flair.
Bowens’ aggressive shift hints at a longer, more personal conflict. The tension between former allies feels real and raw, and Billy Gunn stepping in lends generational weight to this brewing feud. If AEW lets this simmer, it could evolve into one of Collision’s most emotionally charged arcs.
The $400,000 Tag Match had a chaotic charm, and while the Outrunners might not be headlining pay-per-views, they know how to electrify the crowd. Ishii and Hechicero’s stiffness added international flavor, showing AEW’s continued commitment to global talent.
Triangle of Madness feels like AEW’s answer to the House of Black, but with feminine fury and mystique. Julia Hart’s leadership aura, Thekla’s style, and Skye Blue’s edge form a compelling unit that could redefine the trios dynamic on Collision.
And finally, the tribute to Hulk Hogan was a heartfelt note that added gravity to the evening. AEW rarely leans into nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake, but honoring Hogan—especially on TNT where he once reigned—felt poignant and respectful. Schiavone’s simple “RIP, brother” landed like a thunderclap.

In sum, Collision delivered a narrative-rich, emotionally resonant experience. It balanced athletic excellence with character evolution, giving both the casual fan and die-hard wrestling storyteller something to chew on. AEW’s ability to let moments breathe while teasing future payoffs remains one of its strongest weapons—and tonight reminded us why this residency matters.